A Potential Turning Point for Bolivia’s Biodiversity Conservation

A Potential Turning Point for Bolivia’s Biodiversity Conservation

Environmental sciences

Mónica Moraes R, Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares, Luis F. Aguirre, Oswaldo Maillard, Alfredo Romero-Muñoz

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Vol. 10

2025

Springer Nature

Journal article

English

2397334X

Bolivia

Restricted Access

Bolivia ranks among the world’s most biologically diverse countries, and spans ecosystems that range from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes, Cerrado, Chaco and Chiquitano forests. This extraordinary mosaic harbours exceptional species, habitat and ecosystem diversity. Yet Bolivia’s biodiversity now stands at a critical juncture. Over the past two decades, accelerating deforestation, infrastructure expansion, agribusiness, illegal mining and wildlife trade have driven many ecosystems towards collapse, which has had far-reaching consequences for human well-being, Indigenous livelihoods and climate resilience. The change of government following the 19 October 2025 general elections marks a political turning point and a historic opportunity to redefine Bolivia’s environmental trajectory.

Jessica Alston